Looking good superbunny.
Having used a fair bit of mapleman's maple recently, I can add the following observations. Several coats of boiled linseed oil darken the heartwood significantly, and bring out the figure nicely. Garnet shellac brings it to a nice reddish brown (not dissimilar to the default forum woodgrain).
I've not tried colouring the wood first like you have. Why not give your sample piece a few coats of oil to see if you like the effect.